More air services a huge boost to the South Island economy

The leading airline in Taiwan, China Airlines, has just
announced its first season of flying to
Christchurch has been so successful, it will expand the service
for the entire upcoming summer.

The airline says the increased services - and thousands more
seats - are a direct result of a
successful three-month service operated last December, January and
February.

China Airlines New Zealand Branch General Manager, Shirley Yang,
says "Our inaugural service last summer was a huge success for us.
The Taipei - Sydney- Christchurch service last summer was our most
successful sector on our global network at that time, so it was an
easy decision to expand the service next summer.

"The service will operate three times a week from Taipei to
Christchurch, via Sydney, and return the same way. We are
confident it will attract very high numbers of travellers, as
it did last summer. We expect to see increases in what we
experienced last summer - East Asian travellers using the service
to get to the South Island, as well as the Sydney connection being
used by many travellers, including New Zealanders and
Australians."

Christchurch Airport's Chief Commercial Officer - Aeronautical,
Justin Watson, says the increased service is great news for the
South Island.

"The ever-increasing number of Asian travellers wanting to
experience the South Island is very positive for the regional
economies of the South Island. It is estimated that the value of
the Taiwanese visitors carried over summer by China Airlines was in
excess of $15m.

"Official statistics reveal about 75% of international visitors
arriving into Christchurch visit
other regions in the South Island - one of the highest dispersals
in the country.

"Christchurch Airport has seen passenger numbers over the recent
summer months grow well above the national averages. Statistics
show more than 70% of the passengers on the China Airlines service
are from North Asian markets, or further afield, highlighting the
significant interest in the South Island from long haul
markets.

"For South Islanders, China Airlines offers more choice and
increased international connections. The airline is a member of the
Sky Team Alliance, which means 20 member airlines offering more
than 16,000 daily flights to more than 1050 destinations in
177
countries. Through China Airlines, South Islanders have
connections to a vast number of destinations all over the
world.

"This service also brings another wide body aircraft into
Christchurch, so helps exporters get high value/time sensitive air
freight into the fast growing Asian markets quickly.
During China Airlines' operations to Christchurch last summer,
airfreight volumes spiked 21%.

"The confirmation of the additional services will be a great
boost to the regional economies of the South Island bringing in
more visitors and providing improved freight services for South
Island exporters."